"Leigh" wrote in message
...

But with today's microprocessor, DSP and firmware laiden transceivers,
would repair be both possible and cost-effective once the radio amateur
has purchased a SMD rework station and expensive test gear, etc, that
would only be used for the one repair, etc?

I've done surface mount repairs and /or modifications in the past without a
SMD rework station so it can be done. I find it a bit more difficult now due
to poor dexterity in my hand but, while I'd not take on a repair for someone
else (in case it goes pear shaped), I'd probably have a try on some thing of
my own- unless it was very high in value. I've picked up one of those
illuminated magnifying lenses and, with practice, you can solder SMD stuff
while looking through that. The key thing, assuming you want to replace a
component, is to get it off the PCB without damaging the pads. For a
multi-legged beast, you can snip the legs and remove them one at a time. A
bit of heat on the body of the package will help if there is any glue under
it. Ball grid arrays are more of a problem.

As regards the DSP side, if that goes bad the repair is probably more
hardware related (ie a bad component) so the firmware doesn't really come
into it. I've not checked, but some of the DSP radios may well use one of
the "off the shelf" DSP devices that you can get the development environment
for. If so, you could write your own code- assuming you Know what you are
doing.


--
73
Brian, G8OSN
www.g8osn.org.uk

Now your amateur licence is free, why not send at least £15 per year to
support the
Radio Communications Foundation or STELAR?

Brian Reay wrote:

Comments noted Brian, especially when I think back to the repairs and
modifcations I used to do with analogue satellite receivers both for SAT
TV and ATV use. Just need a steady hand and fine tip and plenty of patience.

As regards the DSP side, if that goes bad the repair is probably more
hardware related (ie a bad component) so the firmware doesn't really come
into it. I've not checked, but some of the DSP radios may well use one of
the "off the shelf" DSP devices that you can get the development environment
for. If so, you could write your own code- assuming you Know what you are
doing.

Fortunately I prefer non-DSP radios and ones where I can effect a simple
repair - especially Icom 735 and Yaesu FT747 - simple and reliable sets
and very flexible and forgiving with non-fancy aerial systems unlike
some modern sets that 'freak out' when a high SWR is presented.

Thinking of adding DSP to the 747 sometime or maybe trying a PC based
real-time solution.

Leigh...

"Leigh" wrote in message
...
Brian Reay wrote:

Comments noted Brian, especially when I think back to the repairs and
modifcations I used to do with analogue satellite receivers both for SAT
TV and ATV use. Just need a steady hand and fine tip and plenty of
patience.

As regards the DSP side, if that goes bad the repair is probably more
hardware related (ie a bad component) so the firmware doesn't really come
into it. I've not checked, but some of the DSP radios may well use one
of the "off the shelf" DSP devices that you can get the development
environment for. If so, you could write your own code- assuming you Know
what you are doing.

Fortunately I prefer non-DSP radios and ones where I can effect a simple
repair - especially Icom 735 and Yaesu FT747 - simple and reliable sets
and very flexible and forgiving with non-fancy aerial systems unlike some
modern sets that 'freak out' when a high SWR is presented.


Will, the IC756ProIII is a dream and works fine with a simple end fed for
general HF use and a reduced size loaded dipole for 5MHz.

Thinking of adding DSP to the 747 sometime or maybe trying a PC based
real-time solution.

The SDR is a good place to start with this type of thing, there is a wealth
of material around and lots of people experimenting.

Personally, I like a radio with a proper front panel, with knobs you tweak,
switches you push etc.

--
73
Brian, G8OSN
www.g8osn.org.uk

Now your amateur licence is free, why not send at least £15 per year to
support the
Radio Communications Foundation or STELAR?

There's that vacuous sneering about "Big K" again,
slipped in on the penultimate line!

You really are a stupid boy, Brian, and your ongoing public
display of playground behaviour continues to render you
unsuitable to be employed in a school IN ANY CAPACITY.

I have no doubt that your KS3 pupils whom you invoke
time and time again show a greater degree of maturity than
do you.

Grow up, OM.

"Brian Reay" wrote in message
...

As regards the DSP side, if that goes bad the repair is probably more
hardware related (ie a bad component) so the firmware doesn't really come
into it. I've not checked, but some of the DSP radios may well use one of
the "off the shelf" DSP devices that you can get the development
environment for. If so, you could write your own code- assuming you Know
what you are doing.